Show and sale of 67 Belted Galloway, Black Galloway and White Galloway Cattle on 

FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER 2024.

Show 11am and Sale 2.00pm.

J A MCCLELLAND & SONS LTD
WOODSIDE ROAD, BALLYMENA
CO ANTRIM
TEL: 028 25 633470
info@ballymenalivestockmarket.com

Thursday 27th March to Wednesday 2nd April, 2025

2025 World Galloway Congress, which will be hosted by the Galloway Cattle Society of New Zealand. It promises to be a fantastic event with an exciting itinerary. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the South Island to see not only the beautiful Galloways but also the spectacular scenery.

WE WELCOME YOU TO THE WORLD GALLOWAY CONGRESS 2025 IN NEW ZEALAND

Invercargill in the deep south of the South Island is our starting point for this exciting time of shared experiences, great food and fellowship from Thursday 27 March to Wednesday 2 April. Following registrations in the afternoon, we share a Cultural Welcome and Dinner at the Marae on Thursday evening. Friday and Saturday’s tours will include herd visits , local attractions in Western Southland, the South Coast and the Catlins Coast, before a visit to Glen Islay Station for a BBQ dinner. Sunday morning allows for free time before departing by bus to travel north through Central Southland to beautiful Lake Wakatipu and our Southern Lakes district. We will arrive in Queenstown by mid afternoon and check-in to our hotels , then enjoying a relaxing evening taking in the lake and mountain views. Monday morning starts with our Conference meeting held at the Copthorne Hotel, followed by a buffet lunch. The afternoon is free to enjoy the attractions of Queenstown, gondola, kiwi and bird park, walk in the gardens, or explore the shops. Assemble at the Steamer Wharf at 4.30pm to board the TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamer for a trip across the lake to Walter Peak Station, farm demonstrations and an amazing BBQ dinner, returning by 9pm. Tuesday is the final day of the congress with 2 options, a farm tour of Historic Royalburn Station above Arrowtown, followed by lunch in Arrowtown and wine tasting at a Gibbston Valley winery, OR a trip via the Kawarau Gorge and Lake Dunstan to Central Otago for a herd visit in the Alexandra Basin, followed by lunch and wine tasting at a local winery. We all return to Queenstown in the late afternoon, and meet in the evening for a final gathering at our Farewell Dinner with a Kiwi Quiz and entertainment.

Notice is hereby given that the Hybrid Annual General Meeting of the
Society will be held in the Kings Arms Hotel, Castle Douglas, on  24th May, 2024 
commencing at 1.30pm.

Please email the office for zoom link.

Download full notice and agenda below.

Welcome to our 2024 Spring Newsletter.

Please download below.

Exciting news! Galloways take the spotlight at this year’s Ballymoney Show on Saturday, June 1st.

With an increased prize fund for the Galloway section, there’s even more reason to showcase your Galloway cattle.

Here are the details:

Class Prizes:
1st Place: £30
2nd Place: £20
3rd Place: £15
Champion: £100
Reserve Champion: £50

In addition to these prizes, there’s support from the Galloway Cattle Society’s show grant fund, offering £50 per Galloway forward. It’s an excellent opportunity to promote your Galloways and compete for top honours.

Entries close on May 18th, so be sure to submit yours in time.

The judging will be presided over by Mr. Scott McKinnon, adding to the prestige of the event.

For more information, show schedule and entry forms:

https://showingscene.com/events/ballymoney-show-2024-may-2024

Judges 

• Bulls  - Mr Scott McKinnon, Dumfries.  
• Females – Mr Andrew Waugh, Kilnstown Farm, Bewcastle, Carlisle      
• Shadow Judge: Mr Logan Murdoch Ross, Stirling   

The next generation of Galloway breeders put on a strong showing at the Galloway Cattle Society’s spring sale, held at Wallet’s Mart, Castle Douglas. Purchasers were selective, resulting in strong prices for sought after cattle, with 6 animals over 5 figures and averages increased on the year for bulls and heifers in calf.

Five Bulls Hit Five Figures
Three bulls sold to 13000gns. Barquhill Thor from the McCornick Family, Barquhill, Wigtown, Newton Stewart, Glenrath Rocky from new member Glenrath Farms, Langhaugh, Kirkton Manor, Peebles and Alcaraz of Fingland from Dalry based, Jimmy Wallace. 

Barquhill Thor, who stood second in his class the previous day, is the first son of Bonanza of Nether Cleugh to be sold - a bull bought privately from Society’s Chairman Peter Hunter Blair. This 29 month old is out of Barquhill Polly - a homebred bull out of a Barquhill Coca Cola daughter. He sold to Eskdalemuir Forestry Ltd,  Hart Manor, Langholm for their 100 cow herd. Eskdalemuir Forestry Ltd enjoyed success in the show ring, receiving reserve overall male champion with Clerkhill Samson. This March 2022 born, Outlook of Trolosse son and out of Clerkhill Jura was unsold. 

Glenrath Rocky is a March 2022 born Troloss Nimrod son, who was purchased with his dam Diamond 1st of Troloss, a Blackcraig Dec daughter from Joe Cockburn, stockman at Grimmet. This 2nd placed bull made the short journey to Dalry, heading home with Jimmy Wallace, Fingland. Jimmy then balanced the books by selling Alcarax of Fingland, a Kirkstead Vindicator son and out of Urma 12th of Fingland, a Ulysses of Over Barskeoch daughter. This 22-month-old sold to Exmoor Forest Farms, Cornham Farm, Minehead, Somerset.

The Male Champion, Kirkstead Gattuso from Alan McClymont and sons, Sam and Oliver, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Selkirk received the next top price of 12,000gns. This Kirkstead Commander son and out of Kirkstead Nancy R3, a Kirkstead Vindicator daughter sold to Society’s vice chairman, Robert McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry, Castle Douglas.    

The Next Generation Shines 
Young breeder, James Campbell, Kypehill, Strathaven, had his best sale to date, realising 10000gns for his 22 month old bull Kypehill Dutton, who is a Troloss Impeccable son and out of Foxglove Zap of Nether Cleugh who was purchased in 2020 for 1550gns. Dutton who was successfully shown in 2023, receiving 1st place at all three shows, was another purchase for Robert McTurk, Barlaes. 

Speaking after the sale, James Campbell said: 
“I’m on cloud nine. This is my second time in Castle Douglas and the third bull I’ve gone out with. Sales have gone from strength to strength and I’m absolutely thrilled to have hit 10000gns.

“Galloways really suit my farm. I bought my first Galloway cows in 2020 because I needed a compact beast that wasn’t going to burn up feed and straw. Galloways deliver exactly what I need. I might be the youngest breeder here, but I’ve been welcomed in and I honestly haven’t had a disappointing day yet.”

Celebrating the potential of the next generation was evident throughout the show and sale, with the Society appointing its first ever Shadow Judge - Logan Ross.

Logan, who works for the Dick family at Mains of Throsk, is an active member of SSS Young Farmers with a deep-seated passion for Galloways, cultivated through his experiences at Romesbeoch and Greenhead Farm. Commenting on his judging experience, Logan said: 
“It was very interesting and it was reassuring that I agreed a lot with both of the more experienced judges and that I shared their eye. Having the opportunity to be shadow judge has given me confidence if I’m ever asked to judge a show or sale again.”

Heifers 
Top female price and female champion Blackcraig Blondchen D1308 from John, Ann and Iain Finlay, Blackcraig, Corsock sold for 10000gns. This Barlaes Rivellino daughter and out of Blackcraig Blondchen V485 a Blackcraig Sam daughter was purchased by Willie Maclean, Oban.

Blackcraig then sold two heifers for 3800gns and 2500gns - Blackcraig Noreen D1321, this 29 month old, Nucamp of Balgray daughter sold to the 3Gs, John and James Graham, Stirling and Dennis Gall, Lockerbie. Blackcraig Rose D1299, this Barlaes Rivellino and out of Rose 29th of Auchenhay a Blackcraig Jury daughter sold to David and Lynn Watret, Muirfield, Hightae, Lockerbie.   

Next top price was 4000gns which was achieved for the reserve champion Diamond Q019 of Trolosse exhibited by Glenrath Farms Ltd and bred by Joe Cockburn. This April 2021 born Troloss Nimrod daughter and out of Diamond 1st of Troloss sold to Society Junior Vice Chair Carolyn Logan and husband Dexter, Greenhead, Alva, Stirling.  This stylish heifer is destined for the summer show circuit, she sold in calf to Trolosse Olympian.

Commenting on the sale, Galloway Cattle Society Chairman, Mr Peter Hunter Blair said: 
“Confidence in the breed was highlighted by breeders being prepared to pay good prices throughout the sale.”     

Breed Secretary Dorothy Goldie added: 
“It was a steady sale with a lot of interest in the sought after cattle, but the impact of the current export restrictions is clearly being felt. The Galloway spring show and sale normally attracts regular buyers from Ireland and Germany. While the interest from these breeders is still there, it’s frustrating that we can’t convert that interest to sales this year. That the sales and clearance was strong despite the export restrictions is a testament to steadily growing interest in the Galloway breed, and it’s fantastic to see the next generation of Galloway breeders doing so well.” 

24 bulls sold,  average £5508.13  (+£269.83) for 3 less sold on year  77% Clearance
11 Bulling heifers  average £1765.91 (-£323.59)
11 Heifers ran with bull average £3455.45 (+£1250.45)
22 females sold  - 73% clearance

Show sponsored by Davidson Animal Feeds, Nith Valley Construction Ltd. and MacMin Ltd.

Catalogue Now Available

Friday 1st March, Borderway Mart
Full catalogue

Online bidding available via MartEye - just search Harrison & Hetherington

** New customers: Please register with Marteye 
and call the office for approval 24hrs prior to the start of sale **

For more information or to request a copy please contact our pedigree office -
01228 406230

The starting location is in the city of Invercargill on the south coast where we will stay for 3 nights, then we will travel by coach north to Queenstown located inland in the mountains on beautiful Lake Wakatipu on Sunday to stay for a further 3 nights.

Direct flights are available into Invercargill Airport from our international airports of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Direct flights are available out of Queenstown Airport to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, with access to connecting flights around NZ.

Also there are direct flights from Queenstown to the Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on Air New Zealand, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar.

WGC2025 Chairman, Angela McNaughton, thinks some of the Waikato breeders may be planning a short itinerary prior to start of the congress for anyone interested in visiting this area in the North Island, to see some Riggit Galloways and other local herds.

They understand that the Sydney Royal Easter Show will take place over Easter weekend 18 – 21 April 2025, so this may be of interest to those travelling from the Northern Hemisphere.

They expect that registration for the Congress and hotel bookings will be available from 1 April 2024, and further information will be sent out prior to that date.

Angela would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone from anywhere in the world that shares our common interest in the Galloway breed of cattle.

Our breeders look forward to hosting you in New Zealand.

Any questions please contact – 
Angela McNaughton, Chairman WGC2025 mcnaughton@xtra.co.nz +64 274 418519

The Galloway Cattle Society proudly conducted its inaugural Cattle Dressing Workshop at Balgray, Lockerbie, graciously hosted by David and Rosemarie Cornthwaite. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of nearly 50 members and friends, all engaged in a hands-on learning experience under the guidance of the esteemed Galloway legend, Mr. Dennis Gall.

The comprehensive workshop delved into essential skills, with Mr. Dennis Gall leading participants through the intricate processes of washing, drying, clipping, dressing, and showcasing Galloways for events like shows and sales. Renowned for his expertise, Dennis shared valuable insights at each stage, providing a thorough understanding of preparing Galloways to the highest standards.

Participants were organized into teams, collectively grooming a total of 14 Galloways to experience the complete preparation process as if gearing up for a show or sale. The practical nature of the workshop allowed attendees to acquire hands-on experience, benefiting from the mentorship of  seasoned professionals.

A special highlight of the event was the opportunity for younger participants to present their groomed cattle in front of noted Galloway breeder Mr. Jim Ross. Mr. Ross generously shared his wealth of knowledge, imparting insights into the finer points of showmanship to enhance the skills and confidence of the participants.

Galloway young breeder Innes Common, ” I would just like to say that I really enjoyed the workshop and I learned a lot  from it like how to clip Galloways properly.  Also with leading the heifers around has given me more confidence in the ring  and the food was great “.

The success of the inaugural Cattle Dressing Workshop represents a significant milestone for The Galloway Cattle Society, underscoring its dedication to fostering education and hands-on learning experiences within the Galloway community. The Society extends heartfelt gratitude to David and Rosemarie Cornthwaite for their generous permission,  extra efforts in hosting the workshop at Balgray and feeding everyone. Special thanks are also extended to Dennis Gall, John Graham, Jim & Doug Ross, Scott McKinnon for their expertise, and Jason and Ramsay McKinnel and Iain Finlay for their contributions before the event. The Society is appreciative of its sponsors, including Wallets Marts, Nith Valley Constructions Ltd, Show Time Supplies, and Solway Agricultural Ltd.   The Society also  extends sincere thanks to all participants who made the event such a success and enjoyable occasion.

Congratulations and well done to all involved – we look forward to our next event. 

Eskdalemuir, in Dumfries and Galloway, may be in one of the most southerly corners of Scotland, but its unusually cold - and wet - climate is ideal for growing trees and Galloway cattle.

The Galloway is proving to be the ideal choice for a beef herd established 10 years ago in the heart of the Esk Valley at Clerkhill Farm, Eskdalemuir, so much so that numbers are being expanded to 100 cows.

Winters in Eskdalemuir are unusually cold for Scotland and rainfall is high totaling around 1,600mm in a typical year so it is not surprising the valley is well suited to commercial forestry.

Clerkhill with 1,800 acres of hill ground running up to 1,000ft and down to valley bottom pastures was bought by Eskdalemuir Forestry 14 years ago.

Ben Edmondson, from Penrith, who began working at Eskdalemuir planting trees, was initially offered a job working on the farm and over the years assumed increasing responsibilities to now having sole responsibility for managing the farm - despite having no agricultural background - and also for establishing the Galloway herd.

Now, largely taught by hands-on experience and an SVQ Level 2 and 3 in Agriculture at Barony College while working on the farm, he is managing the herd and its breeding policy as well as the farm’s breeding sheep - and he has never looked back on making the move.

“The Galloways just thrive here out on the hill”

“The Galloways just thrive here out on the hill. They pay their way - they don’t get a second chance if they don’t get in calf. So we’re expanding the numbers to run on extra land that has been purchased,” said Ben.

Sold on the breed, Ben added: “If there’s anyone looking at getting into an easy keeping, hardy breed of cattle I’d encourage people to look into Galloways.”

In the autumn of 2023 the neighbouring 400 acre Raeburnfoot was purchased allowing the successful Galloway cows to be expanded.

The farm also carries a flock of 760 North Country Cheviot ewes which are all bred pure and sheep numbers will be expanded on the increased acreage.

Previously, the farm had a flock of 1,200 ewes and a shepherd was also employed. Now all the cows calve outside and the lambing is also outdoors which makes it possible for Ben to run the livestock on his own with additional  help when required.

“The heifers are first to calve at three years old inside from the last week of February and the cows start calving from mid-March outside in a lower-lying, sheltered area. The majority of the herd calves in a six week period before the lambing starts on April 10,” said Ben.

“The Galloways are very fertile and they are easy to get back in calf again. The bulls run with the cows on the hill all summer but all their work is done in the first six or seven weeks. Last year the 60 cows produced 60 calves and they have all thrived.

“We calve the heifers a cycle earlier to give them that extra bit of time to take back to the bull the 2nd time round and also so I can just focus on them before the cows on the hill start calving.

“They are a low maintenance cow which survives without problem outside all winter without much feed”

“The Galloways are very long lived and we have 12 year old cows still breeding.  They are a low maintenance cow which survives without problem outside all winter without much feed - it’s expensive having cows in sheds. They are well-suited to the climate in Eskdalemuir.” The farm can carry a medium sized cow which has the added benefit of enhanced cull prices.

The outwintered cows are fed silage and cow rolls in the run-up to calving with snow generally expected after Christmas.

They are on the hill until February when they are brought down to calve in two different groups where they are close to the handling pens which helps ease of management. They are checked morning and night.

“I rarely see them calving - they often go into the rushy ground to calve. Then it’s a case of finding the calf to tag it and check it is OK. The Galloways are good mothers with plenty of milk. The cows generally are quiet after calving, although the odd one is quite protective. I’m going round the cows on my own so I’m very quiet with them which helps their temperament,” said Ben.

The herd’s foundation females - six cows with calves at foot and in calf - were purchased from Dorothy Gault’s Klondyke herd managed by Scott McKinnon until his retirement in 2023 at Moniaive, Thornhill, in Upper Nithsdale, which markets its Galloway beef through its own farm shop at Houghton Hall Garden Centre, Carlisle.

The herd has reached its current number through breeding using a Balgray and a Trolosse stock bull and it is now closed to any new female bloodlines. New bloodlines will be brought in to the herd with the purchase of a new stock bull at Castle Douglas in February. The optimum number of cows that Ben can manage on his own is expected to be between 90 and 100.

This year 69 females have gone to the bull this year and a further 26 heifers which will enter the herd next year will bring numbers up into the 80s

Two Clerkhill bulls, by Trolosse Impeccable son Orion of Balgray, were sold for the first time in 2023 at Castle Douglas in February. Clerkhill Rango, reserve two year old bull in the show, made 3,000gns and Clerkhill Ranger made 2,000gns

One bull by Outlook of Trolosse is earmarked for sale in Castle Douglas next spring, coming up two years old. Once numbers have been reached, breeding females will also be sold.

Ben has been flying the flag for the herd and the breed at LiveScot at Lanark where he has lifted the top tickets in the junior bull classes in the last two years, helped by show supremo Dennis Gall, of Lockerbie. He has received a lot of help and encouragement from other Galloway breeders.

All the Galloway bullocks have been sold privately to the same finisher for a number of years. The bullocks are weaned around Christmas time and they are housed until the end of April when they are put out to grazing before being sold in August before the grass growth starts to slow.

In the last few years, a re-seeding policy has established more productive lower-lying pastures for silage ground and lambing

The Cheviot flock was established a few years after the Galloway herd with the purchase of 350 ewes from Forest Irving, of Whitchesters, Hawick, when he retired.

North Country Cheviot two shear tups are sold through Lockerbie Mart and the autumn sale was the best yet for the farm with rams selling to a top price of £3,200 and an average of £1,550 for eight.